It often seems that no one cares
for side streets, sheds and access lanes.
It doesn't matter how it fares,
graffiti, broken window panes;
as long as no one's parking here,
it's good enough, just keep it clear.
The front is spruce and up to date,
with flashing lights and coloured signs.
Not so in back, the trades-men's gate
is battered, marked with gang designs.
Compare the front and back and find
the walls are like the owner's mind.
Author notes
inspired by photo by Simon in the contest: http://beakerst.shutterchance.com/photoblog/Warehouse/
A contest entry
- Back Streets - (Must Rhyme) by passim.
900 points, ended January 22, 2008, 6 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Thanks for reading.
Comments
1 - 21 of 21
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Now this ...
is a great poem, and no doubt true as well. I'm surprised this didn't get a Gold.
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I like how different this piece is. It really stands out! Congrats on getting your bronze shine. Very well done!
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Thank you Kari, I appreciate your comment!
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That last verse is an innovative way of putting the human condition, not just the owners of such places, but all unsaintly people such as myself. Yeah, I know how to keep up a well manicured facade in front while I have a leaking sewer pipe in back!
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Thanks for your great comment and applause. None of us is a saint, and I also have places that I don't show to visitors.
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Lovely poem. Thanks for the praise on my own one.
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I love the meter/rhythm of this piece. You show much understanding of how a poem needs to flow. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you
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Thank you very much Pat - when I saw the other poems, I thought this little one had no chance.
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excellent !
I love the metaphor hidden in this amazing poem ...
your clairvoyance wrapped in gentle sarcasm reveals your wisdom in a lighthearted manner ...
I just love this poem ...
maa
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Hello Margaret
You know, I'm no stranger to good poetry. After all, I've been reading my own quite often lately!LOL
Really, this is a wonderful, and wonderfully written poem. Squeaky clean, germane rhyming.
I loved the "opening", a two line statement; a premise almost! I would have been/could have been content with those two lines alone. Perhaps there are things in those back-alleys that are deprived of the trappings of those around front! Then again, maybe it is their wont, and should not be disturbed.
Reading your poem here was just what the doctor ordered.
Regards,
John-Las Vegas, Nevada
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This was describing a house and yet it
could be describing a person. A false
front, showing what society expects, and
the truth is hidden behind that. great job.
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Wow, I liked this a lot and the photo inspiration too. I thought you must be describing some Kyiv scene. Thought provoking.
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Brilliant!
I loved this. And GIGGLED. OH YOU! You should be President ... of wherever.
Love to you, clairvoyant One.
Myra
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pooh, president is too easy. Funny lady!
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You observations are so apt as often back streets and alleys are neglected, left in disrepair and frequented by those who have nefarious dealings. Things are not always as they seem, despite business facades.
I agree with Lyndon, this is well written and I, too, wish you success in the contest. ~ Karen
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A well-crafted poem with a social message. It's a bit like front and back gardens: make a good impression on the visible, but let the less visible rot in peace. You've made a very good point.
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Thank you Keith.
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A modern poem thematically
written in rhyme.
This is a good poem, indeed. I wonder where 107 could be?
'Keeping up appearances' is very pointed on the object of your satire.
Thank you Margaret and may I wish the poem trophy success because it is of this caliber!
Ron.
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"107" is painted on the gate - the hostess says "It was taken in Birmingham, UK. If you follow the link you will see that he says "This is a mere toss of a cucumber sandwich away from Selfridges"."
Thank you Ron, I'm happy you like this.
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Now I have followed the links
I can understand how well your poem follows the illustrative prompt.
Yet, as a poem disengaged from the graphic, it is still a marvellous poem speaking to the plight of any industrial city of the West and especially, on another level, to the individual person who is a street angel and home devil or those whose homes are like an iced cake but rotten within.
It is the same story, isn't it?
Ron.
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At least that street is clean, it looks far better than many streets here.
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